Page 93 of Forever Player

He eventually circles around and brings her back to me.

“We need to head to the locker room,” he explains, and again he leans in to give me a kiss. I’m not used to all this PDA but, in a way, it feels like he’s showing the world I’m his and how could I have a problem with that?

“I’ll go nurse her before the game starts,” I tell him.

“Then come with me. You can sit in the media room or use one of the offices,” he offers.

“That isn’t necessary,” I reply, feeling nervous about going to an area where I’d be meeting all his teammates.

“Honey, it’ll be easier for you. And you can change her diaper easily on one of the couches,” he says convincingly.

I concede. He takes Maylee and her diaper bag since I am not stable on the ice. He holds her on one side and hangs on to me on the other.

“How is it you don’t know how to skate?” he asks.

“My father only taught the boys,” I explain.

“Hmm,” he says contemplatively but I don’t know what it means.

We head through the tunnel and finally arrive to a set of offices. “You can go in here.”

He passes Maylee to me and places the diaper bag on my shoulder.

“You good?” he asks, reading my nerves.

“How do I get back to our seats?” I ask. But it isn’t the real reason I’m on edge. Everything feels too perfect and that can’t be real.

“I’ll wait for you,” he replies.

“That isn’t necessary, it could take time. I don’t want you to be in trouble with your coach.”

“You’re nervous, I’m not leaving you,” he replies, shocking me.

“How can you tell?” I ask him.

“I can see you thinking hard. I know what it looks like now. What’s worrying you, Honey?”

I take a seat on the couch and lay Maylee down to remove her snowsuit. Then I lift my shirt and she latches on to me.

“Everything just feels so perfect right now. Your family is amazing, and they’ve welcomed me and Maylee with open arms. Things feel good with you, and it scares the shit out of me.”

Brett exhales and blows out a breath. Then he takes a seat beside me. He’s in his gear and it is close to the start of the game, and here I am laying it on thick with my issues.

“My family thinks your great and so do I. I get your reservations. I’m scared too. This is all new for me, and I am navigating things the same way you are,” he admits.

“But you aren’t terrified of being crushed or becoming mortal enemies like I am,” I remind him.

“True,” he replies. “But I get your fears. Besides, I could never have you as my enemy. I like you too much.”

“I like you too,” I say to him. That doesn’t mean things can’t change. I hate the negative voice in my head ruining a good moment. What if we don’t become enemies? I try to change the dialogue in my head to something positive. That is what my anxiety books said to do.

Brett gives me a panty-dropping smile.

The door to the media room opens and Brett stands instinctively in front of me.

“Dude, you better get in the locker room,” one of the players says to him.

“Coming, now fuck off!” Brett replies.

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